Online scams continue to be a major problem in India, and Google is stepping in with new anti-fraud features for Android, Pixel, and Google Pay users.
The updates were announced at the India AI pre-summit in New Delhi, ahead of the 2026 India AI Impact Summit.
These features aim to help users detect scams, protect their banking apps, and verify numbers safely.
AI-Powered Scam Call Detection
One of the main highlights is Google’s AI-powered scam call detection.
Pixel phones will soon use Gemini Nano, an on-device AI model, to spot suspicious calls while the call is happening.
Importantly, this happens entirely on the device—no audio is recorded, no conversations are uploaded, and no data leaves the phone.
The feature is off by default and works only for calls from unsaved numbers.
Screen-Sharing Warnings for “Digital Arrest” Scams
India has seen a rise in “digital arrest” scams, where scammers manipulate victims to screen-share and access banking apps.
To tackle this, Google is introducing a screen-sharing warning system for Android 11 and above.
If an unknown caller tries to guide a user to apps like Google Pay, Navi, or Paytm, Android will display a full-screen warning.
With a single tap, users can hang up and stop screen-sharing immediately.
This feature was developed in collaboration with Google Play, Navi, and Paytm.
Safer Number Verification with ePNV
Google also introduced Enhanced Phone Number Verification (ePNV), a new SIM-based verification method that eliminates the need for SMS OTPs.
OTPs are often targeted by fraudsters, especially on public Wi-Fi or compromised devices.
With ePNV, users receive a secure on-device prompt to verify their number quickly and safely.
Google Pay will be the first platform to adopt this method.
This update shows Google’s efforts to make digital transactions and mobile usage safer for Indian users.
